COMM 218 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Instructor: Dana

COMM 218
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Instructor: Dana Emerson Phone: 541-917-4834 Email: emersod@linnbenton.edu
Office: SSH 202 Albany Campus
Office Hours: MWF 11:30 AM – 12:30PM in Albany TTR 1-2PM at the Benton Ctr Also by appointment
Requirements:
Text: Adler, R., Rosenfeld, L & Proctor, R., (2013) Interplay, (12th ed.).New York, NY: Oxford University
Press, AND 1 Spiral notebook 10.5” x 8” dedicated to this class for a journal.
Course Description
COMM 218 introduces students to various aspects of the communication process in one-to-one
relationships. Emphasis is placed on enhancing personal and professional relations by expanding
knowledge, increasing understanding and developing practical skills necessary for competent
communication. College level reading and writing skills are strongly recommended for success in the
course. College level reading (RD 90) and writing skills (WR 121) are strongly recommended for
success in the course.
Outcomes
At the successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate the skills necessary to enhance
interpersonal relationships within various life roles.
Objectives and Competencies
Interpersonal communication introduces students to complex interaction of social and psychological forces
operating in human communication. The course is designed with a dual approach consisting of both theory
and application that allows students opportunities to critically evaluate the particulars of interpersonal
relationships and the communication issues surrounding human interaction in various contexts.
At the conclusion of the course it is expected that students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in several
core areas. Specifically, students should demonstrate an increased understanding of:
1. The options and alternatives for action in a wide variety of interpersonal situations.
2. Individual preferences and an increased appreciation for the differences of others.
3. The dialectical tensions that arise as students use communication to satisfy conflicting personal
needs.
4. How the process of perception affects communication behavior.
5. The ethical dimensions of interpersonal communication.
6. The importance of nonverbal communication in successful interpersonal interactions.
7. Defensive and supportive communication climates.
8. Competence and an ability to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of interpersonal
strategies used in various interpersonal relationships.
9. Why and how relationships develop and the role communication plays in determining the nature and
quality of interpersonal relationships.
10. Competencies related to communication with individuals from other cultures and co-cultures.
11. Identifying strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts
Statement on Academic Expectation
Linn Benton College and your instructors expect you to make academics your highest priority by dedicating
your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge. Academic success in communication,
writing, information literacy, critical thinking, social cultural awareness and problem solving prepares you for
the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Your instructor and academic support
resources are readily available as partners in this effort, but the primary responsibility for learning is yours.
Attendance & Participation Policy
The success of this class relies on your participation. Only by attending class, asking questions participating
in the exercises, and class discussions will you be able to gain skills as a competent communicator.
You are expected to attend every class. Missing one week of class (2 or 3 excused or unexcused
absences – depending on the class schedule) will result in a 10 point deduction from your
Participation score. By electing to miss class thereafter, you are choosing to forfeit 10 participation
points for each absence. Leaving class early is strongly discouraged, however if you must leave early I
MUST be notified at the beginning of class. Excessive tardiness will be counted as an absence.
CHEATING & PLAGIARISM POLICY
Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is literary thievery. It is taking the words or ideas
of another and misrepresenting them as your own. Academic integrity is expected. Always cite and credit
your sources; including Internet sources. Cheating and plagiarism will be reported to the Dean of Students
for disciplinary action.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND/OR ACCESS NEEDS
Students with documented disabilities and/or access needs are reminded that it is your responsibility to
identify yourself to your instructor no later than the first week of the term so reasonable accommodations for
learning and evaluation within the course can be made. For further information contact LBCC’s Center for
Accessibility Resources at 917-4789.
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES
All personal communication devices must be turned off or kept on "silent" - not vibrate - during all class
sessions. Text messaging and social network updating will not be tolerated in class at all. Should
you violate any of these terms, you will forfeit five (5) participation points per violation.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Consumption of food and drinks are not allowed in class during presentations. If the consumption or
presence of food or drinks becomes disruptive, they will no longer be allowed in class.
CONDUCT
Respect is mandatory in the classroom; respect for your instructor and fellow classmates…We are a team!
As a team it is imperative that we maintain the safety of all. Safety requires that every individual participate
in the creation and maintenance of a space which allows for freedom of expression and concern for others.
Behaviors that suggest discrimination, disruption and/or an environment where safety and the learning
environment are compromised will not be tolerated at any time. Any student that demonstrates reckless
behavior that violates the safety of any one in the class will be asked to leave immediately and referred to
the Dean of Students Services for appropriate action.
NOTICES AND EMERGENCIES
Notices, such as cancelled classes due to weather or other circumstances will be on my instructor website.
Other notices, such as class assignment changes will be sent to your LBCC email.
Course Assignments & Evaluation
You will be evaluated on the following requirements and assignments:
1. Completion of assigned weekly readings and quizzes*
2. Classroom participation and activities – which means YOUR ATTENDANCE COUNTS!!
3. Midterm Exam – the only test given! NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN!
4. Journal – Late or incomplete journals will have points deducted. Bring your journals everyday!!
5. Written assignments: Thought Pieces and paperwork for final MUST BE submitted through the
Turn It In website – class account.
6. Written Assignments- Late work will be deducted the equivalent of ONE letter grade, until it
is turned in, this means you have three (3) days [not class meetings] beyond the due date to
turn in your work before it will not be accepted for credit. Any assignment that is not typed
will not be accepted. Please refer to the rubric for grading criteria for all writing
assignments.
7. Final Group Project
*Quizzes Every week you may be subjected to a reading quiz. The quizzes will assess your
comprehension of the subject matter as it is presented in your textbook. Reading assignments are DUE on
the day they are listed on the course calendar.
Discussions
You are also expected to participate in class discussions. Participation means being present and actively
contributing to the discussion in a meaningful way. You are expected to address the topic and the
comments made during the discussion. You are not permitted to attack the person or personhood of the
individual making comments.
GRADING SCALE
By Percentage
100% - 90%
A
89% - 80%
B
79% - 70%
C
69% - 60%
D
59% & below
F
By Points
570– 513
512 - 456
455 – 399
398 - 342
341 
A
B
C
D
F
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
THOUGHT PIECES 50 pts each: Submitted to the Turn It In class account; Should be no longer than 2
pages in length, not including title page and reference page. Thought Pieces that exceed the 2- page limit
will be penalized with a reduction in points. Please double space and use 12-point type in standard fonts,
e.g., Arial, Times New Roman, and Verdana.
Thought Pieces are short papers in which you deal with either (a) a conceptual problem you have
encountered in the readings (i.e., something you don't comprehend or see the point of, and/or (b) an idea
concept, or claim which has stimulated your interest and imagination. The Thought Piece is NOT primarily
an informational report on the contents of the readings. Rather, you are being asked to make
connections between the readings and anything else to which you see a valid connection. This
connection might be to a video or movie you have viewed, or other readings you have done in this or any
other class, or observations you have made. My goal is that, by articulating connections rather than simply
describing what some technical jargon "means" you will work with concepts rather than merely repeating
them.
Your task in each Thought Piece is to discover and create the hidden likeness between readings,
observations, or videos, either from the assigned week, or from previous weeks but not the same
area covered from the previous Thought Piece. The basis of the Thought Piece will be the identification
of representative quotations (or descriptions, in the case of videos or observations). The structure of the
paper should be as follows:
1. Title Page (page 1). Include your Name, Thought Piece # (1, or 2), Date, and Class. (Neither
plastic covers nor file folders please, just one staple in the upper left-hand corner).
2. At the top page 2. Choose from Option A: two quotations (1 to 2 lines max.) or Option B: one
quotation and a description of an event. The following are examples:
Option A. Two pertinent quotations from the assigned readings, with citations in APA format for
in text citations, for example:
"This is just an example," (Emerson, 2010, p.27).
"This is also an example, and furthermore, a picture from our instructor," (Lawrence & Birch, 2010,
p. 14).
Option B. One quotation (1 to 2 lines max.) from the assigned readings on page 1 at the top with
citation in APA format for in text citations, for example:
"This quote from our instructor," (Emerson, 1998, p. 27).
AND a description (1 paragraph) of an observation or video clip.
3. The reason(s) why you picked the 2 quotations (or the quotation and description); the hidden
likeness or the “Ah...ha! Now, I get it!” which you have discovered and/or created.
4. Your response to the likeness you have identified.
5. Reference page (page 4) of all cited resources in APA format (including the sources for the two
quotations or videos, and any additional readings which you quoted from or paraphrased). Videos
or movies should be cited by title only.
Make sure that your Thought Pieces are in essay form and have an introduction, a well-organized body and
a conclusion. Missing any portion of the Thought Piece, grammar and typing mistakes, and lack of effort will
result in points deducted, please refer to the rubric for grading criteria. If you are unaware of the APA
citation format, please consult the resources available to you e.g., the library, Writing Center, books and the
internet.
"WHO AM I?" PERCEPTION PRESENTATION (25 POINTS):
This assignment is designed to get you to examine and explore the many dimensions of yourself and openly
share with others who you are. Bring or create items (i.e. a song, a book, a short story, an article of clothing,
magazine cuttings, a poem, a poster, a collage, pictures, drawings, tattoos, a musical instrument, etc.) that
illustrate obstacles you have overcome, your triumphs, or anything that makes you who you are today, who
you are becoming, or who you want to become in the future. Keep this presentation positive. Do not do
anything illegal or hazardous. Your presentation is to be no longer than 4 minutes in length. Please
adhere to the time limits!! This assignment will be evaluated on creativity, preparation, and
thoughtfulness.
JOURNAL AND PRESENTATION (55 POINTS):
You will be given interpersonal communication topics/prompts to write on. Each journal entry should be at
least one page long, hand-written, in a 10.5” x 8” spiral notebook dedicated to your interpersonal
journal only. The entries should demonstrate that some thought was put into each entry. Missing and
incomplete entries will result in deducted points. Journal entries MUST BE kept separate from notes –
failure to do so will result in deducted points. Bring your entire journal with you to class each day; I will
collect portions of your journal during the term for a total of 45 points. Journals turned in after the
class meeting will be considered late. The highest score available for late journals will be the lowest
score for journals turned in on time. Entries after a journal check will not be counted towards point total.
At the end of the term, you will be expected to give a brief informal 2 to 3 minute presentation telling us what
you learned about yourself this semester from your journal entries. Although this is not a formal
presentation, you are expected to prepare for the presentation (10 points).
WEEKLY DIGEST (50 POINTS):
As a group, you will be given an interpersonal communication exercise to discuss and complete every other
week. Each group’s paper should be at least one page long, hand-written, and demonstrate that some
thought was put into the assignment. Digest CANNOT BE MADE UP. One paper per group will be collected
at the end of class.
WEEKLY READING QUIZZES (10 POINTS EACH = 50 POINTS):
You are required to complete the reading assignments before engaging in classroom discussions. You will
be quizzed on select readings – not the class discussions. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of the
class meeting and cannot be made up if you are late for class.
FINAL GROUP PROJECT (170 POINTS):

In groups decided by the instructor, you will explore and examine a theory and/or concept in
interpersonal communication. The group is to teach the class the theory and/or concept by giving
definitions, history, supporting theories and/or concepts and meaningful examples in a group
presentation. This is a serious presentation you should dress like you want to be taken
seriously.

Each member of the group is to write a 4-5 page paper detailing their experience working in the
group by identifying and applying ideas and concepts from the readings and class discussion. This
paper is not about the theory or concept researched. This paper should detail what it was like
working in your group through the lens of interpersonal communication. This should not detail the
process your group engaged in to finish the project. Suggestions for areas to address in your paper
include but are not limited to: perception and perception checking, language rules, emotional
expression, fallacies, non- verbal communication, relationship development; listening, presenting
and perceived self, communication competence, communication climate, and culture.

In addition to the individual papers, each group member is to develop three (3) questions with
answers pertaining to the subject/topic they have explored, and provide an annotated bibliography
of four (4) separate sources.
Requirements that each student must fulfill for the completion of the group project:

Involvement in an interpersonal communication group project that will be of benefit to him/her, not
a project that is meaningless busy work. Class time will be given for discussion, research,
preparation, and other work toward this project.

Participation with his/her group in a meaningful creative class presentation for the individuals' and
group's "findings" and conclusions from the project. Each group determines the type of creative
presentation, which it will use during a pre-determined amount of class time, usually 20 minutes.
However, movie and/or TV clips will be limited to 3 minutes TOTAL(unless your group
creates an original recording, i.e., movie or video – this will be limited to 5 minutes)
PowerPoint or Prezi presentations are not to be used. The group presentation should allow
approximately 5 minutes (part of the 20 minutes) for end-of-presentation class questions and
discussion from the class – it is required to ask questions as part of the participation grade.

Complete a 4-5 page paper addressing the experience of working in a group using interpersonal
theories, concepts or issues as a framework. Consider what skills you observed in others and
yourself and which concepts came to light as you worked with your group. Points will be deducted
if concepts, issues or theories from textbook are not included; if it is not the required length; if there
are grammar, spelling, or typing errors.

Three questions (exam type – meaning open-ended short essay response) with the three correct
answers based on the content of your group's presentation to the class and/or your individual
research. The answers to each question should be a paragraph (minimum). These questions and
answers should represent a well-researched issue or theory. Points will be deducted for poorly
formulated questions; answers less than one paragraph; and less than three (3) questions.

An annotated bibliography in APA format of the sources used during the preparation of the group’s
presentation will be required of each individual student. Four (4) sources are a minimum for this
part of the assignment. The student may use the textbook as one of the sources. Other sources
may be obtained through Internet or library means. Be sure that your sources are from refereed,
peer reviewed, academic, and relevant literature. Complete citations in APA format should be
included on the annotated bibliography with a brief explanation (summary) of what information was
found in this source. The summary should not be paraphrased from the source – it should be in
your own words and include an evaluation of the source. Please refer to LBCC’s Library and
website and other writing resources for help with bibliographies and correct citations.
Points will be deducted if bibliography is not in APA format; less than four (4) sources; no
annotations; sources are not peer-reviewed or scholarly; and duplication of sources by group
members.
All paperwork for the final: Annotated Bibliography, 3 questions with answers and the essay
must be submitted through the Turn It In website – class account.

If you should arrive late or leave early on the assigned presentation day, you may have points
deducted from your final score in the class.
Grading the Final Group Project:
Paper
Presentation
Bibliography
Questions
85pts
35pts
30 pts
20pts
TOTAL POINTS AVAILABLE BY ASSIGNMENT:
Who Am I?
Thought Pieces
Journal w/presentation
Digests
Midterm
Final
Quizzes
Participation
25 pts (5%)
100 pts (18%)
55 pts (9%)
50 pts (8%)
100 pts (18%)
170 pts (30%)
50 pts (8%)
20 pts (4%)
Please keep record of your earned scores. If I make a mistake which is entirely very and truly
possible and you don’t have evidence to challenge it, then my error stands as reality.
All assignments, with the exception of classroom digests and Journal entries, MUST BE submitted
through the TURN IT IN website class account. I WILL NOT ACCEPT ASSIGNMENTS VIA EMAIL.
Turn It In class ID ____________________________ password ______________________________
LBCC prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, or any other status
protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
COMM 218
PROPOSED COURSE CALENDAR MWF
Week 1 3/30 Hey what’s up? Is this class hard?
4/1 Communication Model Interpersonal Communication
4/3 Intercultural Communication
Chapter 1 pgs 3-25
Week 2 4/6 Communication and the Self & Disclosure
4/8 Perception & Empathy
4/10 Assignment on Turn It In
Chapter 3 pgs 64-103
Chapter 4 pgs 109-137
Chapter 2 pgs 30-48
Week 3 4/13 Who am I
4/15 Who am I
4/17 Weekly Digest #1
DUE: Thought Piece #1
Week 4
4/20 Emotions
4/22 Emotions
4/24 Weekly Digest # 2
Chapter 8 pgs 247-275
Week 5
4/27 Non Verbal Communication
4/29 Midterm Review
5/1 MIDTERM
Chapter 6 pgs 177-205
Week 6 5/4 Language
5/6 Language
5/8 Listening
Chapter 5 pgs 142-172
Chapter 7 pgs 210-241
Week 7 5/11 Weekly Digest # 3
5/13 Library
5/15 Group Work
DUE: Thought Piece # 2
Week 8 5/18 Relationships & Intimacy
5/20 Weekly Digest # 4
5/22 Group Work
Week 9 5/25 Holiday Memorial Day
5/27 Climate
5/29 Managing Conflict
Chapter 9 pgs 280-309 & pgs 402-407
Chapter 10 pgs 312-346
Chapter 11 pgs 351-380
Week 10 6/1 Journal Presentations
6/3 Weekly Digest # 5; Final Project Review
6/5 Group Work
Week 11 _________FINAL __________GROUP PRESENTATIONS
Interpersonal Communication is a Social Science, meaning that groups are studied instead of the individual for the
development of theories, ideas, and concepts. You may be the exception to the group; however, the value of the
theories attributed to the group should not be ignored.
It is YOUR responsibility to WITHDRAWAL from the course should you no longer wish to attend. If you stop
attending the class and do not officially withdrawal, an “F” will be submitted as your grade.